Don Mattingly, Los Angeles Dodgers ponder coach's next move  —  Don Mattingly was on the short list of managerial candidates in Cleveland, and wasn't hired.  —  But he is speaking with the Los Angeles Dodgers about his future with that organization, and while it would be premature …

Beltran Not an Option for Sox (or Anyone Else)  —  A recent story in the Boston Herald suggested that Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran could be an intriguing contingency plan for the Red Sox this offseason should Boston fail to re-sign left-fielder Jason Bay.

Vladimir Guerrero goes down swinging — and zinging  —  In what might have been his final game as an Angel, the normally keep-to-himself slugger has three hits and twice jaws at home plate umpire Dale Scott over disputed strike calls in 5-2 loss.  —  Angels designated hitter watches …

George Steinbrenner will attend Series opener  —  George Steinbrenner will “absolutely” be  —  at Yankee Stadium for Game 1 of the World Series Wednesday night, Hal Steinbrenner said last night.  —  “I think all these players are doing this for him,” Hal said.  “We want to win this whole thing for him.

La Russa's back — with McGwire  —  Tony La Russa this morning will announce his return as Cardinals manager along with the surprise addition of Mark McGwire, the former home run king, who will end an eight-year, self-imposed exile from the game to become the team's hitting coach.

Halos' offseason holds big decisions  —  Key players to ALCS run eligible for free agency  —  ANAHEIM — When it comes to revealing where they stand on personnel matters, the Angels' decision-makers don't play it close to the vest.  —  They play it inside the vest.  That's where you'll find their hands and cards.

No shortage of stars and subplots in Philadelphia Phillies-New York Yankees World Series, writes Howard Bryant  —  No shortage of stars, subplots and similarities in Phillies-Yankees Fall Classic … NEW YORK — The Cinderellas of Minnesota and Colorado are long gone, dusted away by bad breaks …

Astros claim Bourgeois  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  The Houston Astros have claimed outfielder Jason Bourgeois on waivers from the Brewers.  —  The Brewers placed Bourgeois on waivers to clear him from their 40-man roster and the Astros claimed him.

Opinion: I'm Rooting for the Phillies to Fail  —  I am not rooting for the Yankees, I just can't root for the Phillies.  —  The two teams will compete in the World Series, starting Wednesday night, thus putting a perfect and painful finish on top of what has been one of the worst seasons in Mets history.

Donnelly not ruling out returning to Marlins  —  Veteran reliever expected to explore free agency this offseason  —  MIAMI — In July, it was a perfect fit.  —  Now, the Marlins are asking themselves if the matchup makes sense for 2010.  —  In early July, the Marlins were seeking relief help …

Red Sox confirm Hoyer to take Padres GM job  —  Jed Hoyer, who served as one of general manager Theo Epstein's most trusted and capable assistants during his seven seasons as a member of the Red Sox front office, was named general manager of the San Diego Padres today, the club announced.

Michael Stanton, Florida Marlins' top prospect, shut down from Arizona Fall League with sore back  —  Right-fielder Michael Stanton's Arizona Fall League season is over.  The Marlins shut him down because of a sore back.  —  “It's nothing major.  It's just a sore back,” said Jim Fleming, the Marlins' player development director.